Ohio University Student Studying Fish
Behavior
Contact: Elizabeth Hesselman, (740) 593-4527 or Molly Morris, (740) 593-0337
ATHENS, Ohio (July 6, 2000) -- Elizabeth Hesselman is spending her summer playing matchmaker to a tankful of fish. Actually, it's a little more complicated than that. The Ohio University biological sciences major from Warren is conducting research to determine how the pattern of stripes in male swordtail fish affect the mating choices of their female counterparts.
"Past studies have shown that the females prefer males with symmetrical stripes (same number on both sides of their bodies)," Hesselman explained. "Through this research project, I'm trying to determine where fish with no stripes fit in. I'm looking to see if the females regard them as being symmetrical and if they display a preference for males with stripes."
For her research, Hesselman has constructed an aquatic version of "The Dating Game." Using a fish tank with three compartments, Hesselman places a striped male swordtail fish in one side, a stripeless male on the other side and the female contestant in the middle.
"I measure how long the female fish spends at each end or in the middle, or in the neutral zone," Hesselman explained.
The findings so far?
"Some female swordtail prefer fish males with stripes, some don't, but the largest group has no preference. That's interesting because it has been shown that female fish tend to have a preference for males with symmetrical stripes," Hesselman said.
Her yearlong research provides information for a thesis paper she is writing as the capstone experience before graduation from the Ohio University Honors Tutorial College. It also is important preparation for her career plans to study animal behavior.
"One of the ways that this project differs from the normal classroom situation is that this research takes more initiative," said Molly Morris, assistant professor of behavioral ecology at Ohio University and Hesselman's faculty mentor for the project. "Also, Elizabeth sees first-hand how much time it takes to collect data and how it can be interpreted. While many students see science as a collection of facts, she is acquiring a better understanding of the uncertainty of science.
Why, you may ask, should one care whether female fish like their dates with or without stripes?
Morris explained: "The work Elizabeth is doing involves basic research in the area of biodiversity. It includes important concepts for conservation biologists in their efforts to preserve certain species from extinction."
Hesselman has picked up useful insights from her research project.
"I've learned that research doesn't always go as expected and it's important to be flexible. Also, my lab experience has added clarity to what I've learned in the classroom because I've been able to apply and test the concepts I've studied and read about," she said.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Hesselman has been involved in outside activities during her college career. As a member of the university-sponsored AppalAction community service group, Hesselman has lent a hand to area residents while teaching her fellow classmates about Appalachia.
"Working with area individuals on a one-on-one basis has been very fulfilling because it's very personal," Hesselman said. "We've been able to take the time to talk with people and get to know them. They've been very friendly and receptive."
Hesselman, graduate of Howland High School, is the daughter of Cathy and Parry Hesselman of Warren.
